MAPP Impact is having a moment; and it’s gaining some momentum. The organization began four years ago when filmmaker Joanna James saw a need to support women in hospitality who take “blood, sweat, and tears,” to a whole new level. She saw it firsthand through her mom, Valerie, who became the subject of her moving film, A Fine Line, released by PBS four years ago. Valerie James who runs Val’s Restaurant in Holden, Massachusetts, has been pushing her way to the front of the line in the industry for 33 years.
After James filmed her mother up close, better understanding the highs and lows of her journey, she realized her mom’s story is that of other women too, and something needed to be done to better support them. MAPP has evolved into a nonprofit organization that brings women in hospitality together to network, support one another, but most importantly, push for policy changes at the government level.
MAPP has not only had a slew of events across the country the last few months—including a theatrical premiere in Miami (April 2) and an International Women’s Day gathering in New York City—it has recently launched an App in order to bring women together in one place and at their convenience. James says she is excited to see what the App can do, considering the groundswell of excitement and action that often takes place at the in-person events. “It has been so powerful for everyone…they walk away and really do something,” James said. “We just held an event in Jacksonville, Florida recently and two women started a collaboration from that dinner, that night. They are now raising money toward a local cause.”
The MAPP acronym stands for mentorship, advocacy, purpose, and power of community. The new App highlights each aspect of the organization and offers numerous ways for anyone—not just women and not just people in hospitality—to get involved. The APP also extends the momentum of the live events by offering access to communicate with members from all over. “It has become a significant hub for webinars, resource info, and hosts an ever-growing membership directory,” James said.
In A Fine Line, we learn about the difficulties James’ mom faced from discrimination—even amongst her very traditional Greek family—to the financial struggles and challenges she endured trying to find someone willing to take a chance and invest. Today, Valerie has become a bit of a celebrity in her community and beyond, and serves as proof that passion and determination can pay dividends. The restaurant has now been open for thirty years, and young women in the industry who come to MAPP events from across the country find strength in Val’s story and can see themselves in her highs and lows. James says, “People have come from California and have asked her mom for a hug after seeing the film; it’s my mom’s story, but others in the same position feel validated for their hard work. ‘Thank you for sharing our story’ they often say.”
Speaking of celebrities, the film includes a sizable line-up of preeminent women chefs who have endured their own trials of discrimination, who are now passing the torch of strength and perseverance to a whole new generation of women. From Dominique Crenn and Lidia Bastianich, to April Bloomfield, Cat Cora, Mashama Bailey and more, the presence of each chef in the film, and beyond—as many of them also serve as MAPP mentors and speakers at MAPP events—demonstrates just how essential the organization has become for women in hospitality.
There are the monthly MAPP Mentorship Meals, film screenings and panels, the new App, and now….a countdown to Washington. For the second year in a row MAPP members will join forces to support the National Partnership for Women & Families in Washington, D.C. in September. After all, James said, “The policies we are advocating for are for women across the board, not just women in hospitality.” For equality, healthcare, childcare, and more, MAPP has carved out a pathway to the frontlines; they’ve asserted a directive to the place where the important decisions are being made that radically affect so many women and families.
In the meantime, MAPP members will meet in Phoenix later this month, in Dallas in June, and continue to break bread around tables while discussing matters that affect everyone. James notes, “Since the pandemic, more and more chefs have realized they have a role to play [and a platform] for getting legislation involved in order to make change.” When chefs attend the events, they are stepping away from their kitchens, using their voices, and connecting for a purpose bigger than themselves.